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General Climbing Discussion

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Dogs in Grampians 6-Mar-2012 At 7:55:04 PM Paulie

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On 6/03/2012 nmonteith wrote:
>On 6/03/2012 One Day Hero wrote:
>Chalk does bleach the rock killing lichen though. You only have to look
>at somewhere like Piddo to see the great white streaks down all the face
>routes.

I haven't read anything that supports this theory.

The loss of lichens and bryophytes in such precise locations (below hand holds) is more likely due to a build up of acids (from sweat), which is then transported down the wall directly below the hold with moisture, thus killing the vegetation.

Shannon Lush (ABC radio) has some brilliant advice on removing lichens and bryophytes with vinegar / water solution, IMO what is probably occuring in this situation is simply a 'natural' acid / water solution.

Shannon's book(s) are outstandin by the way! http://shannonlush.com/